MILES PER GALLON IN 10 YEARS TIME. THERE IS PAIN AT THE PUMP. JUST ASK MAX KAISER. >> EVERY TIME I FILL UP, IT IS $90-100 DOLLARS. DIESEL IS EXPENSIVE SOME REASON. AUTOMAKERS HAVE PLEDGED TO RAMP UP THEIR PRODUCTION ON ELECTRIC AND OTHER VEHICLES. THE GOAL OF DELIVERING 50 MILES A GALLON BY 2026. AGREEMENT WAS INITIATIVE I THE CARMAKERS. >> THESE COMPANIES ARE LOOKING TOWARD PUTTING IN MORE EFFICIENT VEHICLES, WORKING ON MORE ELECTRIC MODELS. >> FORD ROLLED OUT THIS VIDEO OF AN F-150. IT CAN TOW TRAINS WEIGHING ONE MILLION POUNDS. IT MEANS A REDUCTION NATIONWIDE IN GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS THAT CAUSE AIR POLLUTION. CALIFORNIA IS LOOKING AT THE DEAL AS A POLITICAL WIN. >> THIS IS A MAJOR VICTORY FOR CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO ITS ONGOING FEUDS WITH THE TRUMPET MINISTRY SHOULD. >> THE FEDER GOVERNMENT LOOKING TO FREEZE IT AT 37 MILES PER GALLON. WHY DID THEY AGREE TO A HIGHER AR-- BAR? >> ABSOLUTELY NO SURPRISE. THEY DO NOT WANT TO FOLLOW A PATCHWORK OF DIFFENT FUEL STANDARDS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THEY WOULD RATHER STICK WITH SOMETHING THEY KNOW. >> FOR DRIVERS VISITING FROM CHICAGO, IT IS

California is leading the way once again when it comes to reducing pollution and cleaning the air. The state has signed a deal with four major automakers -- Ford, Honda, Volkswagen and BMW -- to increase fuel efficiency in the cars and trucks they make. Here are three things to know about the deal:1) What's the big deal?The announcement Thursday is a big deal. Under the voluntary agreement, the four auto manufacturers have pledged to ramp up their production of electric, hybrid and other fuel-efficient vehicles, with a goal of delivering 50 miles per gallon on average by 2026. The commitment means Ford, Honda, Volkswagon and BMW will sell cars nationwide that meet the higher standards. The agreement was initiated by the carmakers themselves, according to Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board. “These companies are already looking towards putting in more efficient vehicles,” Nichols said. “They’re working on more electric models.”The agreement means a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that cause air pollution. It also promises to reduce pain at the pump for drivers. “If it saves us money at the end, I think it’s a good idea,” said Steve Shelley, who was visiting California. “It’s a good idea, but that remains to be seen at this point, right?”2) Is this deal political? Yes. The agreement is just the latest battle in the war between California and the federal government. “This is a major victory for California relative to the ongoing feuds with the Trump administration,” KCRA 3 political analyst Kevin Riggs said.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was inclined to freeze the fuel standards at 37 miles per gallon, Nichols said.So, why would the four automakers voluntarily agree to a higher bar?“Absolutely no surprise that the car dealers would strike a deal with California as opposed to the Trump administration,” Riggs said. “The carmakers don’t want to follow a patchwork of different kind of fuel emission standards across the country. They would rather stick with something they know.”Carmakers are also trying to be responsive to consumer demand for high-efficiency vehicles, Riggs added.3) Is everyone on board with the deal?No. The California New Car Dealers Association said in a statement that not everyone is supportive of the new deal: “With not all automakers agreeing with the voluntary framework that has been set forth, there is still work that needs to be done. As discussions continue to evolve, California’s new car dealers remain committed to a cleaner California”

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

California is leading the way once again when it comes to reducing pollution and cleaning the air.

The state has signed a deal with four major automakers -- Ford, Honda, Volkswagen and BMW -- to increase fuel efficiency in the cars and trucks they make.

Under the voluntary agreement, the four auto manufacturers have pledged to ramp up their production of electric, hybrid and other fuel-efficient vehicles, with a goal of delivering 50 miles per gallon on average by 2026. The commitment means Ford, Honda, Volkswagon and BMW will sell cars nationwide that meet the higher standards.

The agreement was initiated by the carmakers themselves, according to Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board.

“These companies are already looking towards putting in more efficient vehicles,” Nichols said. “They’re working on more electric models.”

The agreement means a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that cause air pollution. It also promises to reduce pain at the pump for drivers.

“If it saves us money at the end, I think it’s a good idea,” said Steve Shelley, who was visiting California. “It’s a good idea, but that remains to be seen at this point, right?”

2) Is this deal political?

Yes. The agreement is just the latest battle in the war between California and the federal government.

“This is a major victory for California relative to the ongoing feuds with the Trump administration,” KCRA 3 political analyst Kevin Riggs said.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was inclined to freeze the fuel standards at 37 miles per gallon, Nichols said.

So, why would the four automakers voluntarily agree to a higher bar?

“Absolutely no surprise that the car dealers would strike a deal with California as opposed to the Trump administration,” Riggs said. “The carmakers don’t want to follow a patchwork of different kind of fuel emission standards across the country. They would rather stick with something they know.”

Carmakers are also trying to be responsive to consumer demand for high-efficiency vehicles, Riggs added.

3) Is everyone on board with the deal?

No. The California New Car Dealers Association said in a statement that not everyone is supportive of the new deal:

“With not all automakers agreeing with the voluntary framework that has been set forth, there is still work that needs to be done. As discussions continue to evolve, California’s new car dealers remain committed to a cleaner California”